St. Augustine grass is a warm-season grass that is popularly grown in many lawns throughout the southern United States. Known for its dark green color, dense and thick blades, and ability to thrive in hot climates, St. Augustine grass requires specific care and maintenance to achieve an attractive, healthy lawn. Follow these tips to successfully grow and care for St. Augustine grass.
Selecting the Right Variety
There are several varieties of St. Augustine grass, each with slightly different characteristics. When selecting which variety to grow, consider factors like climate, intended use, and maintenance requirements. Some popular varieties include:
- Floratam – Thrives in full sun and heat, resistant to fungus and insects. Requires more frequent watering and fertilization.
- Palmetto – Tolerates partial shade, drought, salt, and resists chinch bugs. Medium green color.
- Seville – Dark blue-green blades, dense growth habit. Withstands light frosts but requires more frequent mowing and watering.
- Raleigh – Shade tolerant and durable. Rich green color with less fertilizer required.
- Bitterblue – Fine bladed with a dense growth pattern. Holds rich blue-green color in extreme heat.
Preparing the Soil
St. Augustine grass grows best in slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.0-6.5. Before planting, test the soil and amend as needed to reach the ideal pH range. The soil should be loose and well-draining to promote healthy root development. Mix in 2-4 inches of compost or other organic material to enrich the soil with nutrients. Level any low spots to prevent puddling and evenly rake and smooth the entire area.
When to Plant
St. Augustine grass should be planted during the warm growing season in early spring through late summer. Avoid planting in the colder winter months. Purchase sod or grass plugs from a reputable nursery. For sod, prepare the soil then lay the pieces tightly together like a puzzle to avoid gaps. For plugs, space them 8-12 inches apart and water immediately after planting.
Watering Needs
St. Augustine grass requires frequent watering, especially during initial establishment and hot, dry weather. Provide at least 1 inch of water per week, ideally split into 2-3 lighter waterings. Soak the soil to a depth of 4-6 inches to encourage deep root growth. Allow the soil to partially dry between waterings. Signs of under-watering include browning, wilting, and dormancy.
Fertilization
Fertilize St. Augustine grass 4-6 times per year, starting in early spring and repeating every 6-8 weeks during the active growing season. Use a complete fertilizer labeled for St. Augustine or other southern grasses. Follow product instructions based on turf density and growth rate. Excess nitrogen can lead to disease and weak roots.
Mowing
Maintain a mowing height of 3-4 inches for St. Augustine grass. Never remove more than 1/3 of the total blade length when mowing to avoid stressing the plant. Mow frequently, cutting just the top portion rather than waiting until the lawn is shaggy. Keep mower blades sharp for clean cuts. St. Augustine goes dormant and turns brown after the first frost.
Disease and Insect Prevention
St. Augustine grass is prone to certain diseases like brown patch, gray leaf spot, and take-all root rot. Prevent issues by providing proper cultural care and avoiding excessive moisture. Chinch bugs are a common insect pest – treat promptly if detected. Weeds like crabgrass and bindweed can invade quickly – hand pull or spot treat weeds early before they spread.
Thatch Management
Thatch is a dense layer of roots, stems and debris that accumulates between the grass blades and soil. If thatch becomes too thick, it can prevent water, air and nutrients from properly reaching the soil and roots. Remove excess thatch by dethatching in early fall using a mechanical dethatching rake or vertical mowing machine. Overseed to restore any bare spots.
Overseeding and Repairing Bare Spots
St. Augustine grass doesn’t self-repair bare or damaged spots very effectively. Reseed thin areas each spring and fall by spreading St. Augustine grass seed then keeping the area consistently moist until established. For large bare areas, sod provides an instant repair. Match the new variety to the existing lawn grass to avoid blending issues.
Winterizing preparations
St. Augustine goes dormant after the first frost turns the blades brown. Stop fertilizing and mowing once dormant. If needed, apply an anti-desiccant spray treatment before hard freezes to provide winter protection. Prune the lawn in early spring, removing any dead or damaged blades to make room for new growth.
FAQs About Growing and Caring for St. Augustine Grass
How quickly does St. Augustine grass grow?
St. Augustine grass is moderately fast-growing. Once established, it can fill an area completely within one growing season if planted early enough. Expect a growth rate of 1-2 inches per week during the peak growing times under optimal conditions.
Does St. Augustine grass spread?
St. Augustine grass spreads aggressively via above-ground stolons. It will naturally fill in nearby bare areas up to several feet away from the original planting over a single season. Planting plugs or sod pieces too far apart takes longer for full establishment.
How much sun does St. Augustine grass need?
St. Augustine thrives best in full, direct sunlight. Most varieties need at least 8 hours of direct sun to avoid thinning out. Seville and Palmetto have better shade tolerance than other varieties. Too much shade encourages fungal diseases and bare spots.
How long does St. Augustine grass take to germinate?
From seed, St. Augustine grass can take 14-21 days to fully germinate and begin growing new blades. Patience is required when establishing St. Augustine grass from seed. Consistent moisture and warm soil temperatures are vital for good germination rates.
What is the best fertilizer for St. Augustine grass?
Look for fertilizers designed specifically for St. Augustine or southern turfgrasses. Balanced slow-release nitrogen formulas provide the best results. Apply in smaller doses over time rather than one large application. Never exceed 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet per application.
When is the best time to plant St. Augustine grass?
In the warmer zones like Florida and parts of Texas, St. Augustine grass can be planted nearly year-round. For most transition zone areas, early spring through late summer provides ideal growing conditions. Sod establishes quickest during the peak seasons.
Conclusion
When cared for properly, St. Augustine grass provides a lush, thick, durable lawn that can handle hot southern climates. Pay close attention to selecting the right variety, providing adequate moisture, fertilizing correctly, and preventing disease and pests. With routine maintenance focused on its specific needs, St. Augustine grass will thrive and enhance the landscape with beautiful curb appeal. Consistent care results in an attractive lawn that can be enjoyed year after year.